Frost Scholar

• Scholarship to support undergrads in conducting original research that is capable of publication and/or presentation
  • Currently $10,000/yr for 10 hours/week (except during finals)
  • Typically 2 year period starting with the student’s third year (though exceptions possible) and transfer students eligible
  • Guaranteed summer research with $4500 (current) Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Award
  • Dr. Schaffner will send out an email about the application late Fall or early Winter
• Reach out to Faculty you are interested in working with!
• Take time to figure out what faculty interests are
• Submit application jointly with faculty mentor by February

Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

• Professional development program for undergrads to learn and develop research skills through intensive, summer research experience and hands-on engagement
  • Currently $4,500 for 8 weeks full-time summer research (~40 hours/week)
  • Frost Coordinator and/or Dr. Schaffner will send out an email about the application late Winter or early Spring
  • Deadline for submission is usually during Winter quarter
• A variety of projects will be put forth by a handful of faculty
  • Reach out to the faculty members with interesting projects
  • You will then be asked to rate your project options in your application

What is an REU?

• A summer research program for undergraduate students funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
• An REU consists of ~10 undergrads working on a research project at a host institution.
  • Each student is typically assigned to a research group and works closely with faculty and other students.
• Students receive stipends and (often) assistance with housing and travel.
• REUs typically last about 8-12 weeks during the summer.
  • In addition to research, REUs typically include fun activities.

What is SIBS?

• A summer research program for undergraduate students funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• These programs are often larger than REUs (more students). SIBS programs combine classroom learning, career development, and participation in a research project.
  • These research topics focus on biostatistics!
  • They will also include fun activities and outings!
• Students receive stipends and (often) assistance with housing and travel.
• SIBS programs typically last about 6-7 weeks during the summer.

Finding and Applying to REUs + SIBS Programs

• Use the NSF REU website.
  • Go to Mathematical Sciences and look for statistics-related projects.
  • Can search by keyword: “statistics”, “data science”, etc.
• Use the SIBS website.
• You apply to each REU or SIBS program separately.
  • You will find information about eligibility and applications on each site’s website.
  • Start looking late Fall and early Winter!
• NOTE: Students supported with NSF or NIH funds must be US citizens or permanent residents.
  • Some programs do have other funding available!

Why do an REUs or SIBS Program?

What does it look like to have an internship?

There is a lot of variability in internship experiences…😄🥱🤩🙄😐

• Summer? School year? Part time? Full time?
• Move? Remote?
• Paid? Unpaid? – most in statistics should be paid!
• Goals – Project specific? Entering data?
• Is there a formal company internship program? Other interns? All statistics?
• Who is your supervisor? How often do you meet with them? Are you on a team?
• But all will give you a little more “real world” experience and insight into what you like or don’t like!

Finding internships… statistics specific

Finding internships… general job search

• Cal Poly Career Services
  • MustangJOBS powered by Handshake
  • Job Fairs
• Linked In, Indeed, etc. … you have to be dedicated to online networking!

Why do an internship?

Reference Letter Writers

• Ask professors you feel know you well (or previous employers).
• Give them at least 2 weeks heads up.
• Provide them:
  • Resume
  • Link to job posting
  • Any additional relevant information